The Federal Government has released eight months of withheld salary arrears owed to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), successfully averting a nationwide industrial action across public universities.
SSANU President, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, disclosed the development to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, confirming that the payments were released following the union’s recent 14-day ultimatum.
The non-academic union had previously threatened to launch a “total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike” without further notice if the government failed to resolve the outstanding arrears stemming from the implementation of the FGN/SSANU Agreement.
Expressing relief over the swift resolution, Ibrahim commended the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for his proactive intervention in securing the release of the funds. He noted that the quick response would go a long way in sustaining industrial peace in the nation’s tertiary institutions.
“This is a demonstration that constructive engagement, when matched with prompt action, can protect industrial harmony and workers’ welfare,” Ibrahim said.
The SSANU leader directed union branches nationwide to work closely with their respective university managements to ensure the prompt and transparent disbursement of the released funds, asking members to immediately report any shortfalls or payment irregularities to the national executive.
While celebrating the breakthrough, Ibrahim stressed that critical financial demands remain unresolved. He urged the Federal Government to maintain this responsive approach and address two key outstanding claims:
2022 Withheld Salaries: Settlement of two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action.
Salary Consequential Adjustments: Payment of one-year arrears resulting from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.
“These are legitimate entitlements of our members and should not be subjected to further delay,” the SSANU president asserted.
Ibrahim also called on state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to fully fund and implement agreements reached with university unions, warning that selective or delayed implementation in state institutions could spark fresh labor unrest.
Reaffirming the union’s commitment to industrial peace through dialogue, Ibrahim emphasized that SSANU remains resolute in using all lawful means to defend the rights and welfare of its members. (NAN)
